Roman Beekeeping: Part 17
The yield of wax, though of little monetary value, must not be overlooked, since its use is necessary for many purposes.
From: 4 C.E. To: 70 C.E.
Location: Carsoli, L'Aquila, Abruzzo, Italy
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The yield of wax, though of little monetary value, must not be overlooked, since its use is necessary for many purposes. The remains of the honey-combs, when they have been well squeezed, after being carefully washed in fresh water, are thrown into a brazen vessel; water is then added to them and they are melted over a fire. When this has been done, the wax is poured out and strained through straw or rushes. It is then boiled over again a second time in the same manner and poured in such moulds as one has thought suitable, water having been first added. When the wax has hardened, it is easy to take it out, since the liquid which remains in the bottom does not allow it to stick to the moulds.
Having now finished the discussion of the animals kept at the farmhouse and their feeding, the part of husbandry which still remains to be treated, namely the cultivation of gardens, we will now present in verse in accordance with the desire which both you, Publius Silvinus, and our friend Gallio a were pleased to express.
Bibliography
Lucius Junius Moderatus Columella, On Agriculture, trans. E. S. Forster and Edward H. Heffner, vol. 2 (Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1954), 503.
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